Professor David Reid from Liverpool Hope University has called on the BBC to explore the creation of a trusted sovereign AI platform designed to improve AI literacy and public understanding of artificial intelligence across the UK.
Professor David Reid, who co-presents the Married To The Machine podcast, says the proposed “Reith 2.0” initiative could build on the BBC’s historic role in digital education and public-service innovation. Professor Reid argues that the BBC’s pioneering Computer Literacy Project of the 1980s demonstrated how public-service broadcasting can shape national understanding of emerging technologies and a similar approach is now needed for artificial intelligence, particularly as concerns grow around trust, security, transparency and the dominance of AI systems developed outside the UK.
The proposal outlines a potential AI platform, named “Reith 2.0”, which would combine a locally operated large language model with educational resources aimed at helping the public better understand AI technologies and their implications.
The proposed system would prioritise privacy, public trust and accessibility, while drawing on trusted archival and educational content.
Professor David Reid said: “The BBC’s Computer Literacy Project transformed how people in the UK understood computing during the 1980s. We believe there is now a similar opportunity around artificial intelligence. This is particularly timely as the BBC welcome Matt Brittin as new Director General, bringing with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in the tech industry.
“As AI becomes increasingly central to everyday life, there is a strong public-interest case for trusted, accessible and educational systems rooted in public-service values.
“Reith 2.0 is intended as a contribution to the wider conversation about how the UK approaches AI literacy, trust and technological independence.”
The proposal suggests that an initial system could be developed using existing open-weight AI models hosted under trusted UK control, rather than attempting to build a frontier model from scratch.
Professor Reid says the discussion around sovereign AI raises wider questions about digital citizenship, public trust and the role educational and cultural institutions should play in shaping the future of AI in the UK.